Barcelona contact Man City for World Cup winner; player prefers Real Madrid move – report | OneFootball

According to Xavi Campos on Catalunya Radio, FC Barcelona have launched an approach to sign Spanish midfielder Rodri, initiating direct contact with Manchester City.

The Catalans are looking to reinforce their midfield options following a long-term injury to Frenkie de Jong, with Hansi Flick asking for a signing within the club’s economic limit.

It has prompted a senior executive from the club to go straight to the Premier League heavyweights to understand the parameters of a potential summer transfer for the 2026 FIFA World Cup winner.

Reports suggested that Barcelona had approached the player’s camp to explore the possibility, but it is now being claimed that they have contacted his club directly.

Manchester City set firm baseline

Despite the 30-year-old midfielder entering the final 12 months of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City are refusing to let their club captain leave cheaply.

Barcelona have approached Man City for Rodri. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

While their preference is to renew his contract and retain him at the club, in case of a departure the Cityzens will not entertain any transfer bids under €50 million for the midfielder.

The English club’s hierarchy believes that Rodri’s immense tactical value and his recent Golden Ball success at the FIFA World Cup justify a premium price tag, completely overriding any standard market depreciation related to his age or his expiring contract status.

Real Madrid lead the race

Barcelona’s direct inquiry faces a major roadblock, as arch-rivals Real Madrid remain firmly in the driving seat for the player’s signature.

Manchester City have already received multiple formal contacts from Real Madrid executives over the last few weeks.

Leaning towards Real Madrid. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Crucially, the sporting preferences of the player himself heavily favour a move to the Santiago Bernabeu over the Camp Nou.

Rodri and his close family are natively from Madrid, and the midfielder has consistently viewed a high-profile return to his hometown as the absolute priority for his next career step.

While Barcelona’s board is trying to see if an inroad can be made for the City star, overcoming Rodri’s personal ties to the Spanish capital represents a massive obstacle.

Real Madrid intend to leverage this personal preference alongside their own ongoing discussions with City to rapidly finalise a deal before the close of the transfer window.